Funeral of woman killed at Cavan motor rally last Sunday

There were moving scenes at the funeral of motor rally enthusiast Caroline Cleary at Barntown church in Co Wexford yesterday.

Ms Cleary (29) was killed at a motor rally in Co Cavan last Sunday when one of the cars competing in the event spun out of control and ploughed into spectators.

She was attending the rally in support of her partner Seán Hayde, who was a competitor. She was killed along with motorsport photographer Joe Lane from Galway. Seven other people were injured.

The cortege was accompanied by a group of motoring enthusiasts in their cars, led by rally driver Paddy Murphy, for whom Ms Cleary navigated at rallies throughout the country. Close to the church the engines were turned off and a group of motor club members walked in silence beside the hearse.

Ms Cleary of Rathaspect and formerly Piercestown, Co Wexford, had recently moved to Cork to live with Mr Hayde, whom she met through rallying. The couple had been expecting their first baby.

Ms Cleary, who had reposed at her brother John’s residence in Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, was removed to St Alphonsus’s church in Barntown yesterday morning for funeral Mass.

Fr John Carroll, Barntown parish priest, said “Caroline died in tragic circumstances” but had led a full life of which they could all be justifiably proud.